A Mirror Image

“"I have given you an example that ye should do as I have done to you." (Jn.13:15)  Watch the kind of people God brings around you, and you will be humiliated to find that this is His way of revealing to you the kind of person you have been to Him. Now, He says, exhibit to that one exactly what I have shown to you.”  Oswald Chambers


This little challenge popped off the pages of My Utmost for His Highest recently, immediately grabbing my attention.  I like watching people…it’s something I actually do pretty well, though I admit my motives are sometimes questionable :-)  This was not a totally new concept to me either. In the past, the Lord has often held a mirror up when I’m judging others in order to expose my own sin.  Interesting how my sin always looks so much worse on other people...why is that?  Anyway, this challenge took ‘looking into a mirror’ to a whole new level and I was excited see how the He would use it.


The Holy Spirit wasted no time reminding me of a loved one, who shall remain nameless, who tends to berate herself in moments of extreme frustration.  She says things like, “I’m such a mess!” or “I’m hopeless!” but never really specifies her need or asks for help. The truth is, when she’s in that state of mind, she doesn’t even know what she needs, or how to ask for it.   Sadly, my typical response is to get frustrated or even throw my hands up and leave the room.    


As I was pondering this ongoing dilemma, the Lord began nudging me with thoughts like, “Daughter, that’s you with Me. So often, you come to the cross confessing your sin, complaining about your weaknesses but you don’t ask for what you need…many times you don’t even know what you need.  You cry and throw little fits but you don't come boldly to the throne to find grace to help.  How do I respond to you in those times?  Do I get frustrated or throw up My hands and leave?  Or do I love and help you anyway?” 


Well, just like Mr. Chambers predicted, I was humiliated by what this 'mirror' revealed.  But now with the veil removed from my face, the riches of the glory of God's grace begin to come into focus...just a glimpse mind you, only a preview of things to come, but His glory nonetheless! 

  But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory,
just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

2 Corinthians 3:18